Ways To Manage Stress

Too much stress can start to harm your body physically, mentally, and spiritually. Therefore, it’s important to learn how to manage stress in stressful situations.

Ways to manage stress:

1. Exercise – gives the body a positive outlook about stress. When you are exercising your body is going through stress – your muscles are tight…your blood pressure is raised…your breathing is fast. You are forcing your body and mind to adapt to stress. Exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress.

2. Imagery – can help when you are stuck in stressful situations, like being in traffic while in a hurry. Image a place where you feel the most peace. Use all five senses: feel the sand, taste the salty air, watch the waterfall cover the rocks, smell the flowers, and hear the leaves rustle from the breeze.

3. Yoga – can help to relax the mind and body. If you are not the yoga type, you can always do a little stretching.

4. Meditate – and think about what is happening in the present time instead of thinking of things you have to deal with in the future or past. Also, you could ponder thoughts such as ‘this will pass’, ‘control yourself, not others’, ‘let go’, ‘it’s not a perfect world’, etc.

5. Deep Breathing – by filling up your whole stomach (instead of chest) with air, and then letting it all out in a long sigh.

6. Massage – your hands by interlacing your fingers and using your thumbs to massage your palms. Or you could go get a massage.

7. Music – usually helps if it is relaxing or soothing, but everyone’s different.

8. Reading

9. Art, Drawing, Doodling, or Painting

10. Express Emotions – by crying, laughing, writing, or talking.

There are many other ways to manage stress. Everyone is different, so find what helps you manage stress the best.

Let stress make you stronger.